“…the world urgently needs to shift to a Zero Waste approach..” — Zoë Lenkiewicz, lead author, UNEP Global Waste Management Outlook 2024.
Zero Waste. What does it really mean? What are the benefits? How do you go Zero Waste in 3 steps or get TRUE Zero Waste certified? To help you succeed, we’ve gathered Great Forest’s Zero Waste resources here in one place in this Zero Waste toolkit with case studies, how-tos, and more. Just scroll below.
According to the World Bank, the world generated an estimated 2.24 billion metric tons of solid waste in 2020. And that number is rising. Global waste is expected to grow to 3.40 billion metric tons by 2050, more than double population growth over the same period.
Recognizing the importance of reducing waste, the United Nations General Assembly formally proclaimed March 30 as International Day of Zero Waste.
Zero Waste strategies can reduce waste, foster sustainable waste management, and lead businesses towards more efficient and circular consumption and production patters that lessen environmental impacts, and protect operations. Zero Waste is a long-term strategy to combat and control rising waste costs.
According to the UN, a Zero-Waste approach entails responsible production, consumption and disposal of products in a closed, circular system. This means that resources are reused or recovered as much as possible.
Remember, going Zero Waste does NOT mean that businesses will be under pressure to produce no waste at all. Instead, it is a plan that businesses commit to putting in place to deal seriously with waste.
Zero Waste is an achievable goal for businesses large and small. Start to learn the basics about Zero Waste and what your business can do to reduce waste and be more sustainable with our Zero Waste resources below.
Need help? Contact your Great Forest representative.
UN Waste Report Urges Global Shift to Zero Waste: Why Businesses Must Act Now
Zero Waste Business in 3 Steps: A Strategy To Reduce Waste and Costs
Going Zero Waste – How Small Steps Add Up At The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco